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Country Pumpkins

Pumpkins aren’t only for Halloween. There is a huge variety of pumpkins, squash and gourds that are perfect for your festive autumn display. Today Southern Gardening is visiting Colson’s Country Pumpkins in Caledonia, where they grow over 70 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourds. There is also a variety of activities for the kids, including a corn maze, to go along with the colorful cucurbits. But the pumpkins, squash and gourds are the stars. Besides orange, colors include red, yellow, white, blue, and multi-colored stripes. Let’s take a look at a few of these fall favorites. One of my favorite pumpkins is the Cinderella pumpkin. The flattened shaped is perfect for making a pumpkin tower. It’s also thought to be the model Disney animators used for the famous pumpkin carriage. Turban squash are a popular hat-shaped variety that Native Americans grew. It makes a good fall decoration with its unusual shape and multi-colored stripes. While the big pumpkins get a lot of attention, the small minis are really useful as decorations, and they certainly are colorful. The small mini gourds are incredible. They come in a variety of warm harvest colors, have wings and many are covered with warts. Some of the squash varieties have interesting shapes and colors. You may be familiar with the Hubbard squash, but others seem to have a somewhat questionable family lineage. Pumpkins, squash, and gourds can add interest and beauty to any fall display. Now I wonder how big this corn maze is, hopefully I’ll find my way out before next week’s segment. I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.

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